How does the examiner handle foreign language documents in an IDS?

When dealing with foreign language documents in an Information Disclosure Statement (IDS), the examiner follows specific guidelines as outlined in MPEP 609.05(b):

Foreign language documents cited on an information disclosure statement will be considered in view of the concise explanation submitted and insofar as it is understood on its face, e.g., drawings, chemical formulas, in the same manner that non-English language information in the specification is considered.

Key points for handling foreign language documents:

• The examiner will consider the concise explanation provided with the document.
• Visual elements like drawings and chemical formulas will be considered.
• The document will be treated similarly to non-English information in the specification.
• If no concise explanation is provided, the examiner may not fully consider the document’s relevance.

To learn more:

• IDS
• foreign language documents
• MPEP 609.05(b)
• patent examination

To learn more:

• MPEP 609.05(b)